A close friend introduced me to the Book of Proverbs. He suggested it as a daily study based upon something another Christian had shared with him. I tried it out and found nuggets of wisdom in my NIV Bible day by day, rewriting verses of my daily chapter of Proverbs that stuck out for me or struck me in my heart and spirit. That continues to this day in a more advanced study, but it is the same basic activity. I am reading Proverbs daily.

Later, while I was in an airport back East, I discovered Steve Marr's Business Proverbs, a devotional based upon a study of Proverbs. I love it. I keep a copy. I usually end up giving away a copy to some excited and enthusiastic entrepreneur or some freshly-called man of God. I give it away because of what it has meant to me. I give it away because it is like the goodness of the Good News. It's just too good to keep to myself. It has to be shared.

You need a daily dose of wisdom. Proverbs can offer that to you. Psalms has a gold mine of jewels in it, too. Ecclesiastes gives 12 chapters of wisdom from Solomon. Take these on daily. Take in the words of these books of the Bible day by day. Let them lead you and guide you. become conditioned to get refreshed by these words daily.

Monday, November 29, 2010

The new information technology—Internet and e-mail—have practically eliminated the physical costs of communications.-Peter Drucker

In this technological age﻿, you have to consider going into virtual venues. You have to see how to maximize the current technology to your advantage. See how to establish yourself within online communities that can expand your territory. You set yourself apart from the crowd by what you put out there.

Whether you are are seeking new clients for your brick and mortar business or seeking to expand your ministry's presence, you need to see how to use technology to your advantage. it can streamline your current communications in new ways.

Nonprofits exist for numerous purposes. In most cases, your average nonprofit is for "public benefit." In layman's terms, the entity is organized in order to accomplish some good for the benefit of the community as a whole. No matter if its focus is on children, women, the poor, or some other group, the organization itself is established for the good of society as a whole. Truly, the goal for starting a nonprofit organization should be the good that it can do for society, not the ability to get grants and write out your own exuberant salary for doing "part-time" work.

I find an extraordinary example of bridging faith and societal good in Richard Allen through the Free African Society that predated the AME church. Even though he served as an itinerant Methodist preacher, Allen established himself as a businessman and change agent in Philadelphia before becoming the leader of America's primary African-American denomination. He was a man of vision with integrity. He worked cooperatively with others for the mutual benefit of his community and its people of African descent, especially former slaves.

Your programming should include matching your product or services with identified needs. We call this "need-based programming." Such methods provide you with an approach to meeting the needs and measuring success based upon which needs were met at in what areas.

Measure needs met and use these as your results. Make sure that your data collection matches with your desired results. As you move forward, keep your focus on keeping up with the pulse of the audience you serve. If you lose touch, then you can lose some profitability. That's not the direction that you want to move in.

"At 103 years of age, A.G. &. Gaston leaves behind a thirst for success, a keen resourcefulness and an entrepreneurial split that will be deeply missed by those of us in the business world who either knew him personally or knew of his achievements."- Earl G. Graves interviewed at the death of A.G. Gaston

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

"Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. The act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth. "- Peter Drucker

Too many entrepreneurs believe that they have to build the next big thing. I always like the concept of piggybacking on the success of others. You know, that ancient business approach of building a better mouse trap rather than simply trying to replace the mouse trap.

How do you make what you have to offer easily accessible to them? Can they order online and off line? Do you have other sites where your products are available? Are you the sole proprietor and the sole soul serving in every capacity of the business? [Uh-Oh, I think I hit a sore spot.]

About Me

Rev. Bruce Jackson is a man of God, author, and community activist. Rev. Bruce started Life Path Ministries & Services in San Diego, California. Visit https://sellfy.com/brucejackson/ for available titles published by Rev. Bruce. Short inspirations and other ideas appear online at www.twitter.com/lifepath01/ http://www.facebook.com/revbrucej. Visit The Ministry Mechanic for insights and inspirations for nonprofits, church leaders and Christian entrepreneurs.